Filling up the shopping cart with healthier grocery options can be a breeze, according to a ThedaCare health coach.

Carey Grieves understands the challenges of healthy eating and healthy grocery shopping.

“Some products are made to keep you wanting to eat more,” she said. “They’re also heavily marketed and wrapped in eye-catching packaging that’s featured in prominent locations throughout the store.”

Boost the bee and pollinator appeal of your lawn by incorporating microclover, self-heal, creeping thyme, crocus, grape hyacinths and other bee-friendly flowering plants in your lawn. You’ll create and enjoy a carpet of green with splashes of color and one that requires less ongoing maintenance. The pollinators will benefit from the nutritious sources of nectar and pollen your bee lawn provides.

They say we learn from our mistakes. Lord knows I’ve had my share of “learning opportunities” both in and out of my birding adventures. I’d like to share one embarrassing experience with you in the spirit that you may be spared from learning this one the hard way. Please don’t laugh — too hard.

Rainbow Valley Rides will once again operate the midway rides at the 2025 Shawano County Fair.

Rides will be running from 6-10 p.m. Aug. 27, from 5-10 p.m. Aug. 28 and Aug. 29, from noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 30 and Aug. 31, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 1.

Buy a wristband for $25 and get unlimited rides from 5-10 p.m. Aug. 28 and Aug. 29, and from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

Sure, the Shawano County Fair has rides, animals, music and plenty of food, but it also has a variety of other activities throughout the fairgrounds.

Opening ceremonies will kick off at 6 p.m. Aug. 27 in Veterans Park.

Beer and wine judging will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 28 in the Crawford Center.

Four stages will offer plenty of music and entertainment opportunities for those attending the 2025 Shawano County Fair.

Main Stage entertainment will kick off with Left on Read at 8 p.m. Aug. 28. Left on Read is a band in the Fox Valley bringing a variety of covers from the ’90s to today, including hits from Sheryl Crow, No Doubt, Shania Twain and more.